ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 580
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 209.23 Crore
More than 25 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 209.23 Crore  today. More than 25 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
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Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
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HCWs
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|
1st Dose
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|
10413374
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10100601
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
6607955
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|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18433400
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
17688242
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|
Precaution Dose
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|
12844724
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|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
39893533
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
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29423736
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|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
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|
61526682
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|
|
|
2nd Dose
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|
51894621
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|
Age Group 18-44 years
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|
1st Dose
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|
560170213
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|
2nd Dose
|
|
511487468
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|
Precaution Dose
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46666127
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Age Group 45-59 years
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|
1st Dose
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|
203820975
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|
2nd Dose
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|
195925809
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|
Precaution Dose
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|
27794620
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|
Over 60 years
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|
1st Dose
|
|
127529242
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|
2nd Dose
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|
122455339
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|
Precaution Dose
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37637982
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Cumulative 1st dose administered
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1021787419
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Cumulative 2nd dose administered
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938975816
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Precaution Dose
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131551408
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Total
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2092314643
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
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Date: 18th August, 2022 
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HCWs
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1st Dose
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40
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|
2nd Dose
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|
479
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
13493
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
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|
117
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|
2nd Dose
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|
727
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|
Precaution Dose
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|
26183
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|
Age Group 12-14 years
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|
1st Dose
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43208
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
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72221
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|
Age Group 15-18 years
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|
1st Dose
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16920
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|
|
|
2nd Dose
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|
38117
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|
Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
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31691
|
|
2nd Dose
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|
124431
|
|
Precaution Dose
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|
1287136
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|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
5948
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
27706
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
602656
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|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
3474
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|
2nd Dose
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|
18155
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Precaution Dose
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|
269399
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|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
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101398
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Cumulative 2nd dose administered
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281836
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Precaution Dose
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|
2198867
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|
Total
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2582101
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Press Communique
Vide Notification of even No. dated 27th August, 2021, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 223 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Mamidanna Satya Ratna Sri Ramachandra Rao, senior-most Judge of Telangana High Court, to perform the duties of the office of the Chief Justice of that High Court with effect from the date Kumari Justice Hima Kohli relinquishes the charge as Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court consequent upon her appointment as Judge of the Supreme Court of lndia.
AYUSH
Ministry of AYUSH signed MOU between with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology today
 and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology  have signed MOU at New Delhi today for collaborating with each other for digitization of AYUSH Sector. MeitY has agreed to advise and give technical support to MOA for planning and development of AYUSH GRID Project.
In pursuance to the National Health Policy 2017 and e-governance initiative of Ministry of AYUSH aims to digitize the entire AYUSH leading to transformation in field of health care delivery at all levels, in addition to greater research, education, delivery of various healthcare programmes and better drug regulations.
On the occasion of signing of MOU, Secretary AYUSH Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha briefed about the vision and utility of AYUSH GRID Project and stated that this will be beneficial for all stakeholders of AYUSH including citizens of the country and in turn will help to achieve various national and international goals in healthcare.
In his remarks, Secretary, MeitY Shri Ajay prakash Sawhney informed about the various MeitY led Health initiatives such as e-Hospital, e-Aushadhi, e-Rakt Kosh, Online Registration System  and e-Shushrut for digitizing the internal workflows and processes of hospitals enabling the efficient and online delivery of Health care services across the country. MeitY has also sponsored a number of R&D projects for development of Medical Electronics Devices and Systems such as Medical and Imaging equipment, establishing centre of excellence in medical electronics. MeitY has also launched an online information guide called Vikaspedia, a portal for the various social sectors including Health and it offers information in 23 languages.
Secretary, MeitY concluded that high quality technical support from MeitY to Ministry of AYUSH would lead to success in the endeavor of Ministry of AYUSH in the field of digitalization.
RJ/SK
Ministry of Railways
Re-Construction of Pamban Bridge gathers Steam
India’s first Vertical lift Railway Sea Bridge connecting the mainland of India with Rameswaram Island
• 84% work completed.
• Piling work: All 333 Piles completed.
• Pile cap and Sub-Structure: All 101 completed.
• Fabrication of all 99 approach spans completed, out of which 76 girders have been launched
Track laying work is in progress.
• Fabrication of Vertical Lift Span girder is nearing completion.
• Assembling Platform for Vertical Lift Span on Rameswaram end of bridge is getting ready.
The re-construction work on the new 2.05 km Pamban railway bridge which will connect Rameswaram island to the mainland in Tamil Nadu has gathered pace. Till Date, 84% of the construction work has been completed.
Sub structure work has been completed fully which includes 333 Piles and 101 Pile caps. Fabrication of all 99 approach spans completed, out of which 76 girders have been launched. Fabrication of Vertical Lift Span girder is nearing completion. Assembling Platform for Vertical Lift Span on Rameswaram end of bridge is getting ready. Track laying work is in progress.
This state-of-the-art bridge will be the country's first vertical lift railway sea bridge and is expected to be completed by March 2023.
The sea bridge is being executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited  at a cost of Rs 535 crores. The bridge will allow the Indian Railways to operate trains at a higher speed. It will also increase traffic between the mainland of India and Rameswaram island.
The existing Pamban Rail Bridge, which connects Rameswaram to mainland India, is 105 years old. The original bridge was built in 1914 to connect Mandapam to the Rameswaram island situated in the Gulf of Mannar. It was the only link connecting the two locations until a new road bridge was built parallel to the sea link in 1988.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President calls upon Governors to act as a guide to States
‘The Office of Governor not an ornamental nor a political position’: VP
Shri Naidu urges Governors to visit Universities, become partners in health initiatives
Vice President hosts lunch for Governors, Lt. Governors and Administrators of States and UTs
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today called upon the governors to act as a ‘guide’ to states and see to it that the programmes funded by Government of India are properly implemented by the states. He said that the Office of a Governor is “neither an ornamental position nor a political position” and that their conduct should ‘set an example’ for the state administration.
The Vice President was addressing the Governors, Lt. Governors and Administrators from various States and Union Territories, along with their spouses, at a lunch hosted by him at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas today.
Shri Naidu urged the Governors to frequently visit as many universities as possible in their state, in the role of Chancellor to the Universities, and interact with the students and staff to motivate them. He also suggested that they oversee the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 in its letter and spirit.
The Vice President suggested that Governors can also become important partners in the eradication of tuberculosis and other health awareness initiatives in the states and UTs. Giving the instance of vaccination, Shri Naidu pointed out how motivating people to get vaccinated has had positive outcomes and reduced mortalities in India. He suggested that Governors become partners in various vaccination campaigns and also stress the importance of healthy dietary habits in their interaction with people.
Governors, Lt. Governors and Administrators from various States and Union Territories, their spouses, Minister of Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah, senior officials and other dignitaries were present.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
IREDA holds 36th Annual General Meeting
IREDA Achieves Highest-ever Loan Sanction, Loan Disbursement and Profit in FY 2022-23
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd.  held its 36th Annual General Meeting  at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on 30th June, 2023. The annual accounts for the financial year 2022-23 were adopted at the AGM, showcasing remarkable achievements.
Addressing shareholders, Chairman & Managing Director  of IREDA, Shri Pradip Kumar Das gave an overview of IREDA’s performance during the year. "IREDA has accomplished its highest-ever annual loan sanction, loan disbursement, loan book, profit, and net worth.”
Stating that the performance has been outstanding, the CMD provided a snapshot of the company's performance in FY 23:
- ₹ 32,586.60 crore Loan Sanction 
- ₹ 21,639.21 crore Loan Disbursement 
- ₹ 47,076 crore Loan Book 
- ₹ 1,139.25 crore Profit Before Tax and ₹ 864.63 crore Profit After Tax 
- ₹ 5,935.17 crore Net Worth 
Healthy Improvement in Non-Performing Assets Ratios
The CMD emphasized IREDA's commitment to maintaining strong asset quality. He highlighted the implementation of a structured recovery and monitoring mechanism, which includes monthly internal status reviews and quarterly interactions with borrowers. As a result, IREDA successfully closed or upgraded 18 non-performing project loan accounts, recovering loans amounting to ₹ 202.43 crore. These efforts contributed to a healthy improvement in the NPA ratios at the end of FY 23:
- 3.21% Gross NPA, a significant decrease from 5.21% in FY 22
- 1.66% Net NPA, showing substantial improvement from 3.12% in FY 22
The CMD informed shareholders that alongside its impressive financial performance, IREDA actively engages in partnerships with green energy developers to recognize their evolving requirements for financial products. The company aims to raise awareness of new products and has already launched financing solutions for emerging areas such as E-mobility, Green Hydrogen, and Green Transmission.
The CMD said that IREDA is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, transparency and business ethics to facilitate efficient and ethical business practices. In FY 23, IREDA achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Central Public Sector Enterprise to publish its Annual Audited results within 25 days after the end of the financial year. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy considering that SEBI allows a period of 60 days for such disclosures.
IREDA has also set a remarkable precedent of holding its AGM within 90 days after the conclusion of the financial year, a testament to IREDA’s streamlined internal processes, digitized data management and good governance principles and practices.
IREDA is a Mini Ratna  Government of India enterprise under the administrative control of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog and TIFAC Launch Report on Future Penetration of Electric Two-Wheelers in the Indian Market
100% Penetration by FY26–27 Forecasted in Optimistic Scenario; 72% by 2031 Where Current Incentives Are Withdrawn by 2024
NITI Aayog and TIFAC launched a report titled ‘Forecasting Penetration of Electric Two-Wheelers in India’, on 28 June.
Using a tool made by NITI Aayog and TIFAC, eight scenarios have been developed for analyzing the future penetration of electric two-wheelers in the country.
In an optimistic scenario, the report forecasts 100% penetration of electric two-wheelers in the Indian market by FY 2026–27. In another scenario, which is technology driven and where current incentives are withdrawn by 2024, the report predicts 72% penetration by 2031.
During the launch of the report, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said, “This report provides a much-needed tool to the industry, researchers, academicians, and policymakers to analyze and respond to various scenarios. It can be replicated easily in other segments too, such as four-wheelers, without any hassle.”
The eight scenarios considered are:
- Challenged Diffusion
- Performance Driven
- Low Battery Cost
- Technology Driven
- Incentive Driven
- Battery Cost Challenged
- Same Performance
- Optimistic
The future scenarios have been constructed on the basis of three major factors that influence the market penetration of electric two-wheelers:  demand incentives  cost of battery  vehicle performance in terms of both range and power.
Four broad constraint levels have also been identified for the eight scenarios, in terms of installed vehicle manufacturing capacity and available charging infrastructure:  full constraint   production constraint   charge constraint   no constraint.
Highlights:
- In the ‘Technology Driven’ scenario, if an R&D programme manages to enhance the range and power of electric two-wheelers by 5% annually between FY 2023–24 and 2025–26, and by 10% in FY 2026–2027, then the penetration of electric-two wheelers may reach about 72% in FY 2031–32—even with no extension of demand incentives.
- The sale of electric two-wheelers may cross 220 lakh units in FY 2028–29 under the ‘Optimistic’, ‘Same Performance’ and ‘Battery Cost Challenged’ scenarios. It may reach 180 lakh units under the ‘Technology-Driven’ scenario. Under the ‘Incentive Drive’ scenario, the sale is expected to reach only 55 lakh units in FY 2031.
- If there is sufficient installed capacity of electric two-wheelers and charging infrastructure, then sale  may at some point even surpass the production under the ‘Optimistic’, ‘Same Performance’ and ‘Battery Cost Challenged’ scenarios.
The report provides important insights into the required infrastructure, manufacturing capability, policies, and technology-development priorities in the area.
The scenarios can be used by government agencies, the industry, and academic/R&D institutions for evidence-based analysis of policies, market scenarios and technology development strategies.
Read the report here: https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-06/ForecastingPenetration-ofElectric2W_28-06.pdf
Ministry of Science & Technology
Technological interventions for processing, product development & sustainability could improve farmers’ income: Experts
Technological interventions for processing, product development, sustainability, and export orientation that could improve farmers’ income were discussed at the Centre-State Science Conclave in Ahmedabad today.
“India is identified in the global arena for its strength in agriculture, and to continue with this position, we need to focus on S&T interventions in food and water,” said Dr. N Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR.
Dr. Himashu Pathak, Director General, ICAR,stressed on theadoption of a holistic approach to ensure production, protection, and sustainability for the agricultural system.
Dr. AK Singh, Deputy Director General, Horticultural & Crops Sciences, ICAR, spoke about the adaptation of technologies like ICAR-FUSICONT technology for medium and high-density plantations to bridge the yield gap, increase productivity, and collaboration to expand the online market places.
“With primary challenges focused on food grain production, the productivity of crops could be increased by using new techniques like genome editing,” Dr. KB Kathiriya, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand, pointed out.
D Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR – IIIM, elaborated about the development of aroma-based entrepreneurs along with end-to-end technology. “While the purple revolution under CSIR-Aroma mission has empowered the farmers of several states, now floriculture mission has been initiated for crop diversification,” he added.
Shri Saurabh Bhagat, Secretary, Science & Technology, UT of Jammu & Kashmir, insisted on opportunities in horticulture and the establishment of demonstration farms.
“Sustainable agriculture technologies are being used to improve farmers’ economic conditions. Some of these are nano-fertilizers to increase soil fertility and IoT-based technologies to minimize the labour shortages,” said Dr. R Srinivasan, Member Secretary, S&T Council, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Shri N V Ramana, Samunnati Agri Enterprise, Hyderabad, pointed out that markets will have to be created for small farming sectors, technologies will have to be harnessed to enable non-linear scalability, and a digitally wrapped agri-ecosystem will have to be created.
The expert panelists at the agriculture session of the conclave organized by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, jointly with the Government of Gujarat at Science City, Ahmedabad, deliberated on challenges and their plausible solutions for improving agricultural income.
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SNC/RR
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Ministry of Commerce & Industry
India - Kenya Joint Trade Committee meeting held in Nairobi
Suresh Prabhuand Peter Munya exchanging documents during the 8th meeting of India-Kenya Joint Trade Committee
The 8th meeting of India-Kenya Joint Trade Committee was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 22nd – 25th August, 2018. The meeting was co-chaired by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhuand Mr. Peter Munya, Cabinet Secretary  for Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Government of Kenya.
The discussions during the meetings covered India’s contribution in implementation of Kenya’s Big Four Agenda – food security, affordable housing, universal healthcare and manufacturing, expansion and diversification of bilateral trade, Kenya’s readiness to join the International Solar Alliance, implementation of Lines of Credit, of over US$ 220 million, extended by Government of India in power transmission, SMEs development, revival of theRivatex factory and agricultural mechanization, implementation of decisions taken during the high level exchanges, cooperation in health, blue economy, agro-processing sectors and WTO related issues; and training & capacity building programmes offered by India.
An Agreed Minutes of the Meeting was signed by both Ministers. A meeting ofIndia-Kenya Joint Business Council was held on the side-lines of the Joint Trade Committee meeting. In his address to the Kenyan and Indian business leaders, Suresh Prabhu emphasized on research and design in products specific to Kenyan needs and urged Indian businesses to carry out a market study to identify priority areas for bilateral cooperation.
The Commerce Minister also interacted with the members of the Indian diaspora and apprised them about the various developmental initiatives and achievements of the Government of India.
During the visit, Suresh Prabhu, called on the Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, and Deputy President, Mr. William Ruto. The Commerce Minister, Suresh Prabhu, was accompanied by senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and a business delegation.
India and Kenya are Indian Ocean neighbours and share longstanding trade and people-to-people contacts. At present, India is one of Kenya's largest trade partners and the second largest foreign investor in Kenya. Indians are the third-largest group of tourists to Kenya. The last meeting of Joint Trade Committee was held in New Delhi in February 2015.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
BIS Mumbai seizes Packaged Drinking Water Bottles misusing ISI Mark, at Thane
Please inform BIS if you come across any case of misuse of ISI Mark
Mumbai, 22 December 2021
Bureau of Indian Standards , Mumbai conducted an enforcement search and seizure operation at Bhiwandi, Thane, yesterday 21st December 2021, to check the misuse of ISI Mark on ‘Packaged Drinking Water’ as per IS  14543.
In picture: The water botttles seized during the raid, for misusing ISI Mark
During the raid at the premises of M/s. Ammar Water , the organization was found misusing the BIS Certification Mark  by filling Packaged Drinking Water without valid licence and by using different license no - CM/L.No-7200168205 with brand ‘Reeha’. About 6,408 one litre PET  bottles and 8,472 500 ml PET bottles as per IS 14543:2016 were seized during the raid. BIS Mumbai Officials Shri Nishikant Singh, Scientist-C and Shri Vivekvardhan Reddy, Scieintist-B had conducted the search and seizure operation.
The misuse of BIS Standard Mark is punishable with imprisonment up to two years or a fine of minimum Rs. 2,00,000 or both as per BIS Act 2016. Action is being initiated to file a case in the court of law for the offence.
It has been observed many times that fake ISI-marked products are manufactured and sold to consumers for huge profit. Therefore, all are requested to ascertain the genuineness of ISI Mark on the product before making purchase, by visiting BIS website http://www.bis.gov.in.
Citizens are requested that in case they come across any instance of misuse of ISI Mark on any product, the same may be informed to the Head, MUBO-II, Western Regional Office, BIS, Manakalaya, E9, Behind Marol Telephone Exchange, Andheri , Mumbai - 400 093. Such complaints can also be made by E-mail at the address hmubo2@bis.gov.in. The source of such information will be kept confidential.PIB Mumbai | DL/DJM/BIS/DR
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Ministry of Development of North-East Region
MoS DoNER Dr Jitendra Singh interacts with North Eastern students studying in Delhi
The Union Minister of State  Development of North-Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh interacted with the North Eastern students studying in Delhi, here today. The Secretary , Dr Inder Jit Singh and other senior officers were also present. During the interaction, the Minister had a discussion on development-related and ongoing issues, including Citizenship Amendment Act .
Speaking about the initiatives taken by the Government in North East, the Minister said that the Government has taken steps to boost the connectivity in North east, including air, rail and road connectivity. He also mentioned about the Sikkim airport. The Minister said that North East is an attractive tourist destination and Government has taken various steps to tap that potential.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is committed to the development of North Eastern states of the Country. He said that Government is open to feedback and suggestions from all sections. He added that these kind of interactions help in understanding the students and their viewpoint. He further said that the Ministry will institutionalise such interactions and the agenda of such interactions can be decided in consultation with them in future where detailed and fruitful exchange of views can take place.